Spain's artsy capital city of Madrid is home to some of Europe's most famous museums, bustling streets dotted with international shops, and unbeatable nightlife. Madrid is the city of contrasts as you pass tranquil city parks, trendy lounges that charm visitors from all over the world, noisy neighborhood bars, and white palaces and churches that have their secrets. Practice your Spanish with locals, visit the Royal family's palace, wander through and Egyptian temple, and get a taste of the authentic Spanish lifestyle that Madrid has to offer

The Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menora) are located just off the eastern coast of mainland Spain and they offer a host of wonders. Surely we know Ibiza as a party island, and while of course there are dance parties and Dj's galore, there are also pristine sandy beaches, ancient castles, and harborside cafes where you can get your morning cafe con leche. Mallorca is chock-full of UNESCO listed ecological wonders and artistic getaways such as in mountainous Valdemossa as well as sunny urban hotspots such as in Palma. Finally Menorca has the most dazzling waters for snorkeling and sailing.

The shadow of Catalonia's history stretches far back to the Middle Ages and visitors are sure to encounter both the old and the new in this region. Visit wineries and sip on refreshing cava (sparkling white wine) in arid Catalan wine country, or learn about Surrealism and view Gaudí's masterpiece, la Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona. Go sailing or just for a swim in the crystal clear waters along the coast, and then go for an evening stroll along the famed walkway La Rambla to see local crafts and lively street performers.

Valencia is Spain's third-largest city and its port is one of the busiest in the Mediterranean. Originally founded as a Roman colony, it has transitioned from Roman beginnings, to Moorish and Arab rule, to the Catholic reconquista, to Spanish monarchical rule, to modern-day industry and folkloric traditions. Additionally, there is a sleek, state-of-the-art science complex outside of the Old Town, and a lively modern spirit to the city. There's wine country and music and so much more to uncover, not to mention Xátiva and other gems in this region and its greater outskirts, so what are you waiting for?

The Alhambra looms in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in the southernmost region of Andalusia. Learn about the ancient Moors and about Al-Andalus. Bask in the outstanding Islamic architecture of the Alhambra in Granada and the famed mosque of Córdoba. Take a flamenco lesson in Seville and go shopping in Málaga. Wherever you wander in Andalusia, it is sure to be colorful, gorgeous, and full of music. It can get pretty toasty though, so why not pick up an authentic Spanish fan to cool off?

The Basque region is truly a unique area in Spain. Inhabited since the time of the Romans, this region is home to a unique language that is shared with no other language on Earth. However, the people of this region are warm and welcoming and are truly proud of their ethnographic heritage. You are sure to fall in love with the port city of Bilbao (also famous for its Guggenheim museum), as well as with sandy landscapes in oceanside San Sebastian. Further, history buffs can uncover a trove here as this region played a major role in the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent dictatorship.